Cocktail Bar
Unclaimed profileThe Holiday Bar
Grand Rapids, MI · $$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
The Holiday Bar's cocktail menu is the draw: eight drinks with full specs, from a $10 Smoke & Honey mezcal number to a $14 Manhattan – 101 built on Maker's Mark 101. Wine runs from $7 Canyon Road Merlot to $299 bottles, including Michigan's Black Star Farms Riesling. Weekly deals cut prices on drafts, bottles, and well spirits. Service reviews vary, but bartender Shelby and server Josh earned praise.
- What should I order?
- Start with the Maker’s 46 Old Fashioned, a $13 pour with Angostura bitters and an amarena cherry over a clear cube. If you want something brighter, the Aperol Arancia Fizz uses aquafaba for body. For a higher-proof classic, the Manhattan – 101 at $14 is the menu's top-priced cocktail.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Drinkers who want a straightforward, well-priced cocktail list with familiar names and clear specifications will find easy footing. Bourbon fans can explore Maker’s 46 and Maker’s Mark 101 expressions. Wine drinkers will appreciate local Michigan representation. Those seeking a dedicated spirits list or deep beer selection may find the program more functional than extensive.
- When should I go?
- Monday happy hour brings $5 Mules, and Thursday features $4.5 Jameson and $3.5 Absolut pours. Wednesday offers half off bottles of wine with food purchase, and Tuesday halves craft draft prices.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Cocktails run $10 to $14. Wine by the glass starts at $7, with bottles from $24, though some premium bottles reach $299. Domestic bottles are $3 during happy hour; spirits during happy hour range from $3.5 to $5.5.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- A cocktail menu that names every spirit and mixer at a fair price, including a mezcal-based Smoke & Honey with a Tajin rim. The wine list includes Black Star Farms, a Michigan producer, alongside Moet Imperial Brut. Historic operation since 1905, with live music six nights a week and weekly specials that lower costs on drinks.
Beverage categories
We only score what a venue sets out to do. Categories a venue doesn't attempt are left unscored rather than penalized.
Cocktails
Eight cocktails are listed with full specifications, covering vodka, gin, mezcal, bourbon, and tequila. The range includes a fizz using aquafaba, a jalapeño-infused tequila drink, and two bourbon classics. Prices are moderate, with some happy hour specials.
Menu strengths
- — Every cocktail lists its exact base spirits and modifiers, giving drinkers clear expectations before ordering.
- — Two bourbon cocktails, the Maker’s 46 Old Fashioned and Manhattan – 101, anchor the menu with classic structure.
- — Creative touches include aquafaba in the Aperol Arancia Fizz and a Tajin rim on the Smoke & Honey mezcal drink.
Standout selections
- — Maker’s 46 Old Fashioned – $13 – Maker’s 46 bourbon, Angostura bitters, orange peel, amarena cherry, clear cube.
- — Manhattan – 101 – $14 – Maker’s Mark 101 proof bourbon, sweet vermouth, orange bitters, served up.
- — Espresso Martini – $12 – Absolut Vanilia, Kahlua, espresso, simple syrup.
Pricing: $10–$14
Wine
The wine list spans red, white, and sparkling, with by-the-glass and bottle service. It includes a Michigan semi-dry Riesling from Black Star Farms and premium bottles like Moet Imperial Brut Champagne. Wednesday offers half off bottles with food purchase.
Menu strengths
- — The list reaches from everyday $7 Canyon Road Merlot to $299 premium bottles, accommodating different budgets.
- — Black Star Farms 'Arcturos' Riesling brings a local Michigan option to the list.
- — Wednesday's half-off bottle special with food purchase encourages exploring the list.
Standout selections
- — Black Star Farms 'Arcturos' 2021 Semi-Dry Riesling – $10 glass / $36 bottle – Michigan white wine.
- — Moet Imperial Brut Champagne – $89 – Champagne, France.
- — Orin Swift '8 Years in the Desert' 2023 Red Blend – $59 – California red blend.
Pricing: $7–$299 per bottle; $7–$10 by the glass
Beer
Beer is presented through specials rather than a detailed list: domestic bottles at $3 during happy hour, half-off handles of light lagers on Monday, and half-off craft drafts on Tuesday. Beer also appears in the food menu.
Menu strengths
- — Tuesday's half-off craft drafts gives a reason to try the rotating taps.
- — Domestic bottle pricing at $3 during happy hour is straightforward and inexpensive.
- — Beer is integrated into the kitchen, with beer cheese and beer-battered items.
Standout selections
- — Domestic Bottles – $3 – Miller Lite, Miller High Life, Bud Light, Budweiser, Busch Light, Coors Light, Michelob Ultra, Michelob Ultra Zero.
Pricing: $3 domestic bottles during happy hour; craft drafts half off Tuesdays
Spirits
The lineup includes Absolut Vodka, Bacardi, Beefeater, Fireball, Jameson, Maker's Mark, Tito's Handmade Vodka, and Olmeca Altos Tequila. Thursday offers Jameson and Absolut at reduced prices.
Menu strengths
- — Happy hour pricing puts a range of well-known spirits at $3.5 to $5.5.
- — Thursday's $4.5 Jameson and $3.5 Absolut pours are direct and affordable.
- — The bar's cocktails showcase spirits like Maker's Mark bourbon and Olmeca Altos tequila.
Standout selections
- — Jameson – $4.5 – Irish whiskey, Thursday special.
- — Absolut Vodka – $3.5 – Vodka and all flavors, Thursday special.
Pricing: $3.5–$5.5 during happy hour
How it sits with the food
The menu includes beer cheese and beer-battered items, suggesting beer-friendly food. Wine specials on Wednesday require a food purchase, pairing discounts with the kitchen's output.
Inebrious does not score kitchens, food or the restaurant overall. We review the beverage program only.
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